Large tetragonal phase (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O3 crystals used as substrates for growing functional thin-film materials were successfully grown by using the Czochralski method with an [001] LaAlO3 rod as the seed. The crystal phase was determined by the method of powder X-ray diffraction analysis and the transmission spectrum indicated that the absorption edge of the crystal was at 270nm while no apparent absorption peaks were found. Through the technique of environmental scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation white-beam topography, the surface topography and defects were characterized, and clear and stable images of twins, micro-cracks, inclusions, grain boundaries, dislocation etch pits, and growth striations in the as-grown crystals were obtained.

Czochralski Growth and Topographic Study of Tetragonal (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O3 Single Crystals. J.Xiao, M.Shao, Y.Tian, W.Huang, A.Wang, S.Yin: Journal of Crystal Growth, 2002, 236[4], 671-5